Today News Headlines for School Assembly, January 13, 2026: Centre recommends capping coaching hours, Jal Jeevan outlay

Quote of the day

“A man who has no imagination, has no wings.”

Today’s quote is by American professional-boxing legend, activist, Muhammad Ali. January 17 marks his 84th birth anniversary.

National News

A committee appointed by the central government has proposed capping coaching classes at 2-3 hours daily, redesigning school curricula to mirror post-school competitive entrance examinations, giving greater weightage to board examination results in college admissions and exploring the possibility of introducing competitive tests in Class 11.

Barely days after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick publicly blamed India for delays in concluding a trade deal, US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor struck a markedly conciliatory note in New Delhi, signalling a clear attempt at outreach at a moment when the bilateral relationship is under strain.

The Centre is planning to cut the outlay of its flagship rural tap water scheme or Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) by almost 60 per cent from Rs 67,000 crore allocated in Budget 2025-26 to Rs 17,000 crore in the revised estimates (RE) of the current financial year

The Centre is considering a major regulatory shift as India proposes mandating smartphone manufacturers to share source code as part of a wider cybersecurity overhaul. The move is aimed at strengthening national security safeguards amid rising concerns over data protection.

In Jammu and Kashmir, police authorities have sought detailed information on mosques and the individuals managing them, according to official communications. The development has triggered debate over surveillance, governance, and religious administration.

Diplomatic engagement between India and the US saw a new chapter as Sergio Gor formally assumed charge as the US Ambassador to India. He presented his credentials in New Delhi, signalling continuity in bilateral relations.

International News

Protests in Iran have entered their third consecutive week, with reports indicating that the death toll has crossed 500 amid an ongoing nationwide crackdown. Demonstrations have continued across multiple cities despite heightened security measures.

US threatens 25% tariff against Iran’s trade partners amid massive protests in Tehran

The United States revoked more than 100,000 visas in 2025, including around 8,000 student visas, as part of a wider push to tighten immigration screening

Former US President Donald Trump has said Iran should come to the negotiating table following warnings over its handling of protestors. His remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of Tehran’s response.

Sports News

Ahead of the India–New Zealand series, Virat Kohli spoke about a return to basics, stressing his faith in old methods to revive form. The former captain underlined discipline and preparation as key to sustained performance.

At the Tata Steel Chess India event, several top contenders struggled as Carissa Yip and Wesley So impressed while Arjun Erigaisi faded. The tournament witnessed fluctuating fortunes among elite players.

Gujarat Giants have started the 2026 Women’s Premier League edition with two wins in a row

Business News

Social media platform X acknowledged issues with its AI tool after Grok generated objectionable images, leading to the blocking of over 600 accounts, according to sources. The company said corrective measures were being implemented.

In a move aimed at tightening oversight, the government has made selfies and geo-tagging mandatory for crypto-related compliance. The step is intended to curb misuse and enhance traceability in digital asset transactions